KR20080106256A - Digital video broadcast transition method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

A digital video broadcast transition method and device allows a streaming digital video program to be transferred from one broadcast receiver to another across digital video broadcast formats. Initially, a first digital video broadcast receiver is receiving a first program (210). If a second digital video broadcast receiver capable of receiving a digital video broadcast program corresponding to the first program is available to the user (220), the second digital video broadcast receiver is enabled (250). The transfer from one digital video broadcast receiver to another (240) can be implemented manually by the user or automatically via a user preference profile. The transition can be made gradually by having both receivers running simultaneously for a predetermined non-zero time period before releasing digital video broadcasting resources of the first device or can be made abruptly by setting the predetermined time period to zero seconds (260). ® KIPO & WIPO 2009

Description

Digital video broadcasting switching method and apparatus {DIGITAL VIDEO BROADCAST TRANSITION METHOD AND DEVICE}

The present invention generally relates to streaming digital video program switching between devices.

Next-generation (4G) mobile devices are being designed to support heterogeneous access technologies such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Universal Mobile Terrestrial System (UMTS), and Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H). While not necessarily used for 4G mobile devices, other access technologies may also be used via the 4G system. An example of such is the Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) service, which will be used in digital DVB-T television or DVB-T receivers in a computer but is not necessarily used in digital mobile devices.

If the user is able to operate one DVB service on their device (e.g. DVB-H on a mobile device while the user is walking down the street), the other DVB service or both of these DVB services will be enabled on the device. If you are moving to an environment that you can use (such as DVB-H on mobile devices and DVB-T on digital television while you are at home), determine the best available DVB device to determine which DVB service is running on your mobile device. It would be better to switch to the best available device as desired (eg, from a DVB-H service on a mobile device to a corresponding DVB-T service on digital television). Conversely, if a user is leaving their home where a DVB-T news program is broadcast on their digital television, they can convert the DVB-T news program to the corresponding DVB-H news program on their mobile device as desired. Would be nice.

Thus, there is an opportunity to switch streaming video broadcast programming content between devices as desired by the user. The DVB-T and DVB-H systems have different access technologies, allowing seamless transitions to switch the same program from DVB-T to DVB-H and vice versa without significant delays that prevent users from enjoying the content itself. There is a task to do. Those skilled in the art will recognize the various aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.

1 illustrates a system for switching digital video broadcasts in accordance with one embodiment.

2 is a general flow chart of switching digital video broadcasts according to one embodiment.

3 illustrates a corresponding Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) on a DVB-T device of a Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) program on a user equipment (UE) equipped with a DVB-H receiver, according to one embodiment. Flow chart for user-initiated transition to program.

4 shows a corresponding Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) on a DVB-T device of a Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) program on a user equipment (UE) equipped with a DVB-H receiver, according to one embodiment. Flow chart for automatic start switch to program.

5 illustrates a user-initiated transition from a DVB-H device to a corresponding Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) program on a DVB-H device from a DVB-H device. For flow chart.

FIG. 6 illustrates an automatic start conversion of a DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial) program from a DVB-H device to a corresponding Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) program on a DVB-H device according to one embodiment. For flow chart.

7 illustrates a digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) program from a DVB-H receiver of a device equipped with both a DVB-H and a DVB-T receiver, according to one embodiment. Flowchart for switching to DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial) program.

8 illustrates a user-initiated transition from a DVB-H device to a corresponding Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) program on a DVB-T device according to one embodiment. For signal flow chart.

FIG. 9 illustrates an automatic start conversion of a DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld) program from a DVB-H device to a corresponding Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) program on a DVB-T device according to one embodiment. For signal flow chart.

Depending on the digital video broadcast switching method and apparatus, a streaming digital video program may be transmitted from one digital device broadcast receiver to another digital device broadcast receiver through a digital video broadcast format. Initially, the first digital video broadcast receiver is receiving the first digital video broadcast program. If a second digital video broadcast receiver capable of receiving a digital video broadcast program corresponding to the first digital video broadcast program is available to the user, the second digital video broadcast receiver is operable. For example, a user may have a mobile device that receives news programming via a Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) service. If the user is near a digital television capable of receiving corresponding news programming via a Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) service, the digital television is activated and synchronized with the corresponding DVB-T news programming. The transition from one digital video broadcast receiver to another may be implemented manually by the user or automatically through a user preference profile. This switching is done gradually by simultaneously operating both receivers for a predetermined non-zero period before releasing the digital video broadcast resource of the first device, or making this predetermined period zero seconds. By setting it can be done suddenly. Thus, the user can smoothly switch from digital video broadcast content using the first digital video broadcast system to a corresponding digital video broadcast content using the second digital video broadcast system.

1 illustrates a system 100 for switching digital video broadcasts in accordance with one embodiment. In this system 100, the digital video broadcast content server 110 may have or have access to digital video content (program) such as news broadcasts, sporting events, comedy programs, history shows, and the like. Media server 120 takes the content from the content server and formats it to be compatible with the particular radio access technology. For example, the media server 120 formats the content compatible with Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) radio access technology, and transmits the DVB-T signal using the first antenna 123. In this example, the media server 120 also formats this content compatible with Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) radio access technology and transmits the DVB-H signal using the second antenna 126.

Following the DVB-H signal, after being broadcast from the second antenna 126, the third antenna 130, which is part of the cellular network 140, receives the DVB-H signal and passes the DVB-H signal through the cellular network. Resend. Alternatively, the DVB-H signal from the media server 120 to the cellular network 140 may be transmitted by wire. A user equipment (UE) 150 with a DVB-H receiver, such as a mobile station (MS), mobile device, laptop computer with cellular connection, or cellular telephone, receives the DVB-H signal to user the program (content). Mark it. Note that the DVB-H path here has a cellular return channel that enables the UE 150 to communicate with the media server 120 via various antennas and networks. The cellular return channel allows the user to select a program and respond during an interactive program.

Following the DVB-T signal, after being broadcast from the first antenna 123, the DVB-T signal may be received directly by the DVB-T receiver 160, such as a set top box for digital television. Alternatively (indicated by the dotted lines), the DVB-T signal may be received by a DVB-T receiver connected to the device manager 170 in a home network or the like. The device manager 170 may also incorporate a wireless local area network (WLAN) or the like capable of receiving commands from the UE 150 with a compatible transceiver. For the DVB-T path, the DVB-T receiver can receive multiple channels and tune to the desired program (content). If the DVB-T receiver is a set top box, the television program shown on the digital television is controlled by tuning the set top box to a particular channel. When the DVB-T receiver is connected to the device manager 170, the television program shown on the digital television is controlled by the device manager 170, which also controls the tuning of the DVB-T receiver.

2 is a general flow chart 200 for switching digital video broadcasts according to one embodiment. First, in step 210, the first digital video broadcasting apparatus receives a digital video broadcasting program. In operation 220, the first digital video broadcasting apparatus determines whether a second digital video broadcasting apparatus and a digital video broadcasting program corresponding to the first digital video broadcasting program can be used. In step 220, a determination as to whether the second digital video broadcasting device can be used may be made through the use of wired or wireless discovery of another device, and optionally through the use of a user profile. As for the determination of whether the corresponding digital video broadcast can be used, the DVB-T program usually generates simultaneously DVB-T programs because the same content is broadcast in the DVB-T format and the DVB-H format (see FIG. 1). -H have the corresponding content in the program and vice versa. Additionally, if the media server 120 provides this information to the device manager 170, the ability to receive the same DVB-T or DVB-H program on the second digital video broadcast device is the device manager 170. Can be determined by. If there is no other digital video broadcast device available or there is no corresponding digital video broadcast program available, the flow returns to step 210.

If the second digital video broadcast apparatus can be used and the corresponding digital video broadcast program is available, it is determined in step 230 whether the user wishes to stop receiving the digital video broadcast program. For example, a user may wish to stop receiving a digital video broadcast program upon returning home to devote his family. This releases the digital video broadcast resource of the first digital video broadcasting device in step 270 and the flow ends in step 290. The stop indication may be done by the user simply pressing the "OFF" button on the first digital video broadcast device, or should indicate that the reception of the digital video broadcast program has to be interrupted using complicated user profile settings or positioning services. can do.

If the user wants to continue receiving the digital video broadcasting program, it is determined whether to transmit the digital video broadcasting program to the second digital video broadcasting apparatus in step 240. This may include searching for a second digital video broadcast device in a user preference profile or the like. If the user continues to receive the digital video broadcast program on the first digital video broadcast device, the flow returns to step 210. If the user wants to deliver the program to the second device, the first digital video broadcast device and the corresponding digital video broadcast program are activated in step 250.

After the second digital video broadcasting apparatus is operated and set in the corresponding digital video broadcasting program, in step 260, the first digital video broadcasting apparatus is before the digital video broadcasting resource of the first digital video broadcasting apparatus is released in step 270. Wait for a period of time. In step 260, the second digital video broadcasting apparatus (if necessary) has a predetermined start preparation time, and a switching time is provided in which the digital video broadcasting apparatuses are "ON" and tuned to the corresponding digital video broadcasting program, so that user time is increased. Attention may be directed from the first digital video broadcasting apparatus to the second digital video broadcasting apparatus. The predetermined period of time is considered to be 1 to 5 seconds, but may be set to 0 seconds if no switching time is desired or to a few minutes or more if desired.

After the digital video broadcasting resource of the first digital video broadcasting apparatus is released, the flow ends at step 290, and the first digital video broadcasting apparatus starts to receive another digital video broadcasting program freely or in the digital video broadcasting receiving mode. Can escape. If the first digital video broadcast device is a user equipment (UE), the existing DVB-H mode allows the user to continue watching the digital video broadcast program on the second digital video broadcast device while reducing the UE's power consumption and reducing its battery life. Extend it.

3 illustrates a corresponding Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) on a DVB-T device of a Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) program on a user equipment (UE) equipped with a DVB-H receiver, according to one embodiment. Flow chart 300 for user-initiated conversion to program. This flow chart 300 is a specific application of the general flow chart 200 of FIG. In this specific application the user can manually convert the DVB-H program on his UE to the corresponding DVB-T program on his digital television.

In step 310 the UE in DVB-H mode is receiving a DVB-H program. In step 320, the UE determines whether the DVB-T device and the DVB-T program corresponding to the DVB-H program are available. If they are not available, the flow returns to step 310. If they are available, it is determined at step 330 whether the user wishes to continue receiving the digital video broadcast program. Note that in step 330 the program content is important and the format of the program is not important. If the user does not want to continue to watch the program, the user releases the DVB-H resources of the UE in step 370 and the flow ends in step 390. At this point, the user's UE may select another digital video broadcast program or exit from DVB-H mode.

If the user wants to continue receiving the digital video broadcast program, it is determined at step 340 whether the user has initiated delivery of the digital video broadcast program from the UE to the DVB-T device. Such delivery may be initiated by pressing a key on the UE, scrolling through the appropriate menu options, or using voice control of the UE. If no delivery is desired, the flow returns to step 310 where the user continues to receive the DVB-H program on the UE. If desired, in step 350 the DVB-T device and the corresponding DVB-T program are activated. The UE then waits for a period of time (including no waiting time) at step 360 and then releases the DVB-H resources of the UE at step 370 and flow ends at step 390.

By converting a digital video broadcast program from DVB-H on a UE to DVB-T on a user's digital television, the user can save UE's battery resources and use bandwidth or other radio resources. Users can also save money by switching from the UE's per-minute plan to digital television's flat rate. Finally, a user can enjoy a better video broadcast because digital television receives higher data stream video broadcasts and probably has a larger display device and better audio performance.

4 shows a corresponding Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) on a DVB-T device of a Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) program on a user equipment (UE) equipped with a DVB-H receiver, according to one embodiment. Flow chart 400 for autostart transition to program. This flow chart 400 is very similar to the flow chart 300 of FIG. 3 as a specific application of the general flow chart 200 of FIG. In this specific application, the user can automatically convert the DVB-H program on his UE to the corresponding DVB-T program on his digital television. This flowchart 400 uses a user preference profile. These user preference profiles are currently being discussed and standardized in a specification called User Agent Profile (UAProf) in the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) forum. Other kinds of user preference profiles may also be used, where they are used to automatically determine whether a UE user wants to deliver a digital video broadcast program from one digital video broadcast device to another. User preference profiles can automatically favor a particular type of receiver (e.g., a DVB-T receiver) over other types of receivers (e.g., DVB-H receivers), or time, location of digital video broadcast devices, individual video programs or many other It may be set to change the receiver preference automatically according to the factor.

In step 410, the UE in DVB-H mode is receiving a DVB-H program. In step 420, the UE determines whether the DVB-T device and the DVB-T program corresponding to the DVB-H program are available. If they are not available, the flow returns to step 410. If they are available, it is determined at step 430 whether the user wishes to stop receiving the digital video broadcast program. This determination in step 430 may be made manually (eg, by the user pressing an “OFF” button) or automatically with reference to a user preference profile stored in the UE. If the user wishes to stop watching the program, the user releases the DVB-H resource of the UE in step 470 and the flow ends in step 490.

If the user wants to continue receiving the digital video broadcast program, step 442 searches for the DVB-T device in the user preference profile. If in step 444 the DVB-T device is determined to be less preferred than the UE in the user preference profile, the UE automatically determines that there should be no program delivery, and the flow returns to step 410. If it is determined in step 444 that the DVB-T device has a higher preference than the UE according to the user preference profile, then in step 450 the UE operates the DVB-T device and the corresponding DVB-T program. After the UE has activated the DVB-T device and the DVB-T program, in step 460 the UE waits for a predetermined period (which may be 0 seconds here) and then in step 470 releases the DVB-H resource of the UE. And flow ends at step 490.

Automatic initiation switching of a digital video broadcast program is particularly convenient when the user regularly delivers a digital video broadcast program from one device to another based on factors that can be formatted into a user preference profile with a routine. In addition to the manual start switch and the auto start switch, there is an opportunity to perform both hybrids. For example, hybridization may include referencing a user preference profile, and if the second digital video broadcast device is not in the user preference profile, switch the digital video broadcast program to the second digital video broadcast device to receive a manual start switch command. It may include presenting a query to the user about whether to do so.

5 illustrates a user-initiated transition from a DVB-H device to a corresponding Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) program on a DVB-H device from a DVB-H device. For a flow chart 500. This flow chart 500 is a specific application of the general flow chart 200 of FIG. In this specific application the user can manually convert a DVB-T program on digital television to a corresponding DVB-H program on the UE.

In step 510 a DVB-T device, such as a digital television, is receiving a DVB-T program. In operation 520, the device manager 170 determines whether the DVB-H device and the DVB-H program corresponding to the DVB-T program are available through the media server 120. The DVB-H device may be a UE or a laptop computer with hardware for DVB-H mode. If they are not available, the flow returns to step 510. If they are available, it is determined at step 530 whether the user wishes to continue receiving the digital video broadcast program. Note that in step 530 the program content is important and the format of the program is not important. If the user does not want to continue to watch the program, the user releases the DVB-T resource of the DVB-T device in step 570 and the flow ends in step 590. The user may press the "OFF" button of the DVB-T device or select another DVB-T program or "digital television channel" to indicate that his or her desire is a program abort.

If the user wants to continue receiving the digital video broadcast program, it is determined at step 540 whether the user has initiated delivery of the digital video broadcast program from the DVB-T device to the DVB-H device. If no delivery is desired, the flow returns to step 510 where the user continues to receive the DVB-T program on the DVB-T device. If desired, the DVB-H device and the corresponding DVB-H program are activated in step 550. Then, in step 560, the DVB-T device waits for a predetermined period of time (there may be no waiting time), then in step 570 it releases the DVB-T resource of the DVB-T device and flows in step 590. This ends.

By switching a digital video broadcast program from DVB-T on a DVB-T device (such as digital television) to DVB-H on your UE or laptop computer, you're on the go or in a place where you can't control your DVB-T device. Even if there is a portable digital video broadcasting device, the digital video broadcasting program can be continuously received. Even if the DVB-H signal quality is not as good as the corresponding DVB-T signal quality, or if the display size or audio performance of the DVB-H device is less than that of the DVB-T device, the user has already indicated that he or she wants to continue watching the program. It is assumed that lower quality programs are better than non-programs.

FIG. 6 illustrates an automatic start conversion of a DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial) program from a DVB-H device to a corresponding Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) program on a DVB-H device according to one embodiment. For a flow chart 600. This flow chart 600 is very similar to the flow chart 500 of FIG. 5 as a specific application of the general flow chart 200 of FIG. In this specific application, a user can automatically convert a DVB-T program on his digital television into a corresponding DVB-H program on a UE or laptop computer with DVB-H functionality. This flow chart 600, like the flow chart 400 of FIG. 4, is currently being discussed and user preferences such as user preference profiles, which are being standardized in a specification called User Agent Profile (UAProf) in the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) forum. Use a profile. Other kinds of user preference profiles may also be used, where they are used to automatically determine whether a DVB-T device user wants to deliver a digital video broadcast program from one digital video broadcast device to another. The user preference profile automatically favors a particular type of receiver (e.g., a DVB-T receiver) over other types of receivers (e.g., a DVB-H receiver), or provides time, location of the digital video broadcasting device, available video content or other Depending on many factors it can be set to automatically change the receiver preference.

In step 610, a DVB-T device, such as a digital television, is receiving a DVB-T program. In operation 620, the device manager 170 determines whether the DVB-H device and the DVB-H program corresponding to the DVB-T program are available through the media server 120. The DVB-H device may be a UE or a laptop computer with hardware for DVB-H mode. If they are not available, the flow returns to step 610. If they are available, it is determined at step 630 whether the user wishes to continue receiving the digital video broadcast program. Note that in step 630 the program content is important and the format of the program is not important. If the user wants to stop receiving the program, then in step 670 the DVB-T device releases the DVB-T resource, and in step 690 the flow ends. You can program your preference profiles in your DVB-T device or Device Manager to automatically display your wishes, press the "OFF" button on your DVB-T device, or select another DVB-T program or "digital television channel". You can choose to manually express your wishes.

If the user wants to continue receiving the digital video broadcast program, then in step 642, the DVB-H device is searched for in the user preference profile. If at step 644 the user preference profile determines that the DVB-H device has a lower preference than the DVB-T device, the DVB-T device automatically determines that there should be no program delivery, and the flow returns to step 610. . If it is determined in step 644 that the DVB-H device has a higher preference than the DVB-T device according to the user preference profile, then in step 650 the DVB-T device activates the DVB-H device and the corresponding DVB-H program. After the DVB-T device has activated the DVB-H device and the DVB-H program, in step 660 the DVB-T device waits for a period of time (which may be 0 seconds here) and then in step 670 the DVB-T device. Release the DVB-T resource of the T device and the flow ends at step 690.

By automatically switching digital video broadcast programs from DVB-T on DVB-T devices (such as digital television) to DVB-H on UE or laptop computers, you can move on the go or in places where you have no control over your DVB-T device. Even if there is a portable digital video broadcasting device, the digital video broadcasting program can be continuously received. DVB-T devices are typically preferred, but user preference profiles can be programmed to favor DVB-H devices if the user has a habit that can be formatted into a user preference profile. For example, a user may program a user preference profile to give higher preference to a UE with DVB-H functionality during the day and week they normally commute or waiting for a bus or train. As another example, a user may program a user preference profile to give a higher preference to a UE with DVB-H functionality when the UE is outside a particular area. Such auto-initiated transitions can be very convenient for users with regular habits that can be programmed into user preference profiles.

7 illustrates a digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) program from a DVB-H receiver of a device equipped with both a DVB-H and a DVB-T receiver, according to one embodiment. A flow chart 700 for converting to a DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial) program. This flow chart 700 is a specific application of the general flow chart 200 of FIG. In this specific application, the user can automatically or manually switch the DVB-H program received on his laptop computer to the corresponding DVB-T program on his laptop computer. This specific application is useful when the user is in a place where the received signal strength of the DVB-T signal is not equal to the received signal strength of the corresponding DVB-H signal.

In step 710 a device with both DVB-T and DVB-H functions is in DVB-H mode and is receiving a DVB-H program. Such a device may be a laptop computer. In step 720 the laptop computer determines whether a DVB-T program corresponding to the DVB-H program is also available. If no corresponding DVB-T program is available, the flow returns to step 710. If the corresponding program is available, it is determined in step 730 whether the user continues to receive the digital video broadcast program. In step 730, the user may unconditionally determine that the user wants to continue watching the program unless the user indicates that the program is to be stopped. If the user indicates that he wishes to stop receiving the program, it releases the DVB-H resource of the laptop computer at step 770 and the flow ends at step 790. At this point, your laptop computer can select another digital video broadcast program or exit from DVB-H mode.

If the user wants to continue receiving the digital video broadcast program, it is determined at step 740 whether there is a request to start delivery of the digital video broadcast program from the DVB-H receiver to the DVB-T receiver. Such delivery requests may be received manually from a user or automatically received by reference to a user preference profile stored on a laptop computer. If no delivery is desired, the flow returns to step 710 where the user continues to receive the DVB-H program. If desired, at step 750 the DVB-T receiver receives the DVB-T program. Since the DVB-T program is being received using the same device as the DVB-H program, the waiting period at step 760 can be set to zero, releasing the DVB-H resource of the laptop computer directly at step 770. And the flow ends at step 790.

Although switching digital video broadcast programs from DVB-H to DVB-T on a laptop computer does not significantly affect power consumption and does not affect the display size or audio performance of the laptop computer, you can still use the DVB-H format. The DVB-T format allows you to receive higher quality video and audio signals. Also, because of the tuning capabilities of the DVB-T receiver, it may be easier to change the digital television channel while receiving the DVB-T signal than while receiving the DVB-H signal. Alternatively, the user may enjoy the program provided by the cellular return channel and may prefer DVB-H programming over DVB-T programming on a laptop computer. In either case, it is possible to manually or automatically switch the digital video broadcast program from the DVB-H format to the DVB-T format according to the flow chart 700. The flow chart 200 can also be applied to situations where a digital video broadcast program is desired to be converted from the DVB-T format to the DVB-H format.

8 illustrates a user-initiated transition from a DVB-H device to a corresponding Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) program on a DVB-T device according to one embodiment. Is a signal flow diagram 800. This signal flow diagram 800 corresponds to the flow chart 300 of FIG. 3 and to the system 100 of FIG. 1. 8 shows a UE 850 (see UE 150 in FIG. 1), a cellular network 840 (see cellular network 140 in FIG. 1), a DVB-T device 860 (DVB-T receiver in FIG. 1). (See 160), and to and from the media server 820 (see media server 120 in FIG. 1).

Step 310 of FIG. 3 assumes that the UE is receiving a DVB-H program. 8 shows that the initial configuration of the DVB-H program on the UE is made using four basic signal flows. UE 850 communicates DVB-H channel selection to cellular network 840 using signal 802. The cellular network 840 sends the DVB-H channel selection to the media server 820 using the signal 804. Media server 820 responds to cellular network 840 with digital video broadcast content corresponding to this selected channel in DVB-H format at signal 806. The cellular network 840 then uses the signal 808 to transmit this digital video broadcast content to the UE 850 in DVB-H format. This is a very simplified signal flow diagram used to convey the initiation step 310 of FIG. 3 and note that many other signals are being transmitted and can be transmitted.

After the UE receives the DVB-H program (see step 310 of FIG. 3), the UE determines that the DVB-T device and the corresponding DVB-T program are available (see step 320 of FIG. 3). The UE receives an indication to continue watching the digital video broadcast program (this indication is made unconditionally unless the user indicates that the user wants to stop the digital video broadcast program) (see step 330 of FIG. 3), and the user Initiate a request to deliver the program to the DVB-T device.

After the user initiates a request to deliver a digital video broadcast program from the UE to the DVB-T device, the UE 850 sends a DVB-T service signal 810 request to the cellular network 840. This request signal 810 contains information about the current DVB-H program that the UE 850 is currently receiving (see step 350 of FIG. 3). The cellular network 840 sends this request to the media server 820 using the signal 812, which is a DVB containing channel content corresponding to the DVB-H program currently being received by the UE 850. Respond by sending a -T signal 814 to the DVB-T device 860. On the other hand, after the cellular network 840 waits for a predetermined period 816 (see step 360 in FIG. 3), the cellular network 840 uses the signal 818 to release the DVB-H resources of the UE 850.

In this signal flow diagram 800, the DVB-T device 860 has a digital broadcast channel selection function and is suitable through the media server 820 or via the UE 850 functioning as a remote controller for the DVB-T device. It is assumed that a channel can be selected. Thus, UE 850 and DVB-T device 860 will show the corresponding digital video broadcast programming for a period of time, and then DVB-H programming will end while DVB-T programming continues.

FIG. 9 illustrates an automatic start conversion of a DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld) program from a DVB-H device to a corresponding Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) program on a DVB-T device according to one embodiment. Is a signal flow diagram 900. This signal flow diagram 900 corresponds to the flow chart 400 of FIG. 4 and to the system 100 of FIG. 1. 9 shows a UE 950 (see UE 150 in FIG. 1), a cellular network 940 (see cellular network 140 in FIG. 1), a DVB-T device 960 (DVB-T receiver in FIG. 1). (See 160), and a signal to and from the device manager 970 (see device manager 170 of FIG. 1).

Step 410 of FIG. 4 assumes that the UE is receiving a DVB-H program. 9 shows that the initial configuration of the DVB-H program on the UE is made using four basic signal flows. UE 950 communicates DVB-H channel selection to cellular network 940 using signal 902. The cellular network 940 sends the DVB-H channel selection to the device manager 970 using the signal 904. The device manager 970 responds to the cellular network 940 with the digital video broadcast content corresponding to this selected channel in DVB-H format in signal 906. The cellular network 940 then uses the signal 908 to transmit this digital video broadcast content to the UE 950 in DVB-H format. The device manager 970 provides a tuning function for the DVB-T device 960. In this embodiment, the device manager 970 is part of a WiFi network, such as a home or office wireless network.

After the UE receives the DVB-H program (see step 410 of FIG. 4), the UE determines that the DVB-T device and the corresponding DVB-T program are available (see step 420 of FIG. 4). Step 420 of FIG. 4 may be accomplished with various WiFi or other wireless device discovery methods. During wireless device discovery 910, the UE compiles a list of devices on a WiFi network capable of receiving DVB-T signals. The UE receives an indication to continue watching the digital video broadcast program (this indication is done unconditionally if the user does not indicate that they want to stop the digital video broadcast program) (see step 430 of FIG. 4), and the UE discovers One or more devices identified at 910 are retrieved from the user preference profile. If a device with a higher preference is found (see step 444 of FIG. 4), the UE uses signal 912 to automatically send a request to device manager 970 to send the program to the DVB device with the highest preference. (See step 450 of FIG. 4).

Device manager 970 then sends a signal 914 to activate the selected device. The device manager 970 then uses the signal 916 to request the UE 950 for service information about the DVB-H program currently being received on the UE. The UE 950 responds to the device manager 970 with the DVB-H program information at signal 920. The device manager 970 tunes to the corresponding DVB-T channel and transmits the channel content to the DVB-T device 960 using the signal 924. After a predetermined period 926, the device manager 970 uses the signal 928 to authorize the release of DVB-H resources on the UE 950.

In this signal flow diagram 900, it is assumed that the device manager 970 has a digital broadcast channel selection function, and the device manager 970 finally determines the DVB-T device 960 channel selection function. This signal flow diagram 900 shows how a digital video broadcast program can be converted from a DVB-H format on a UE to a DVB-T format on a DVB-T device in a WiFi network.

Although the general flow chart 200 of FIG. 2 has been applied to five specific applications, this general flow chart 200 can be applied to a variety of other situations, although not shown. In addition, the signal flow diagrams shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 show only two of these five specific applications. Additional signal flows can be easily created for the remaining three specific situations as well as for other situations without unnecessary trial and error experiments.

Although the present invention has been described in detail through preferred embodiments and best modes of the invention which establish the ownership of the inventors and enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, there are many equivalents of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein, preferred embodiments It should be understood that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is defined by the claims, the amendments made during the pending of the present application and all equivalents of the claims, rather than by the claims. .

Moreover, relations such as first, second, upper, lower, etc. are only used to distinguish between entities, items, or levels, and these relations must be used to determine the actual relationship or order between such entities, items, or actions. It should be understood that it is not necessary or implied. The functions and principles of the present invention are best implemented in or within a software program or command. Those skilled in the art will be able to produce such software instructions and programs with minimal experimentation, according to the concepts and principles of the present invention, although much effort and design must be made with available time, current technology, and economic circumstances. Therefore, detailed description of such software will be omitted so as not to obscure the principles and concepts of the present invention.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various devices shown in FIG. 1 include a processor that executes computer program code for implementing the methods described herein. Embodiments include computer program code that includes instructions embodied on a tangible medium, such as a floppy diskette, CD-ROM, hard drive, or other computer readable storage medium, the computer program code being mounted on a processor to be executed. In this case, the processor becomes an apparatus for implementing the present invention. Embodiments include computer program code stored on a storage medium, mounted on a computer, and / or executed, or transmitted over a transmission medium such as electrical wiring or a cable, optical fiber, or electromagnetic radiation. When the computer is mounted and executed on a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for implementing the present invention. When a computer program code segment is implemented on a general purpose microprocessor, the segment constitutes a microprocessor that produces specific logic circuits.

Claims (20)

As a method of switching digital video broadcasting programs, Receiving a first digital video broadcast program on a first device using a digital video broadcast resource; Determining that a second device capable of receiving a digital video broadcast program corresponding to the first video broadcast program can be used; And Enabling the second device and the corresponding digital video broadcast program. Digital video broadcast program switching method comprising a. The method of claim 1, And the first device is a user equipment having a digital video broadcasting mode. The method of claim 1, The act of operating the second device and the corresponding digital video broadcast program, Receiving a user-initiated request to switch the first digital video broadcast program on the first device to the corresponding digital video broadcast program on the second device. Way. The method of claim 1, The act of operating the second device and the corresponding digital video broadcast program, Receiving an identification identification of the second device; Looking up the second device in a user preference profile stored in the first device; And Operating the second device and the corresponding digital video broadcast program only if the identification mark of the second device has a higher preference than the first device in the user preference profile. . The method of claim 1, And releasing the digital video broadcast resource of the first device after the step of operating the second device and the corresponding digital video broadcast program. The method of claim 5, Releasing the digital video broadcast resource of the first device comprises waiting a predetermined period before releasing the digital video broadcast resource. The method of claim 6, And said predetermined period is 0 seconds. The method of claim 6, And the predetermined period is not 0 seconds. The method of claim 1, The first digital video broadcast program is a digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) format program, and the first device receives the DVB-H format program using a DVB-H receiver. The method of claim 9, The digital video broadcast program corresponding to the first digital video broadcast program is a DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial) format program having content corresponding to the DVB-H format program, and the second device is a DVB-T. A digital video broadcasting program switching method capable of receiving the DVB-T format program by using a receiver. The method of claim 10, And the DVB-H receiver and the DVB-T receiver are in a single unit. The method of claim 10, The act of transmitting comprises sending a DVB-T service request corresponding to the DVB-H format program from the first device to a cellular network. The method of claim 10, The act of operating comprises transmitting the DVB-T channel selection information to the device manager. A first device capable of converting a digital video broadcast program into a second digital video broadcast receiver, A first digital video broadcast receiver; A memory containing a user preference profile with a prioritized list of digital video broadcast receivers; And A transmitter to operate a second digital video broadcast receiver having a higher priority than the first digital video broadcast receiver of the first device; The first device comprising a. The method of claim 14, And the first digital video broadcast receiver is a digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) receiver. The method of claim 14, And the transmitter is a cellular transmitter. The method of claim 14, And the transmitter is a wireless local area network transmitter. The method of claim 14, The user preference profile further comprises a variable to change the priority list of the digital video broadcast receiver. The method of claim 18, The variable comprises a time-of-day. A method in which a cellular network converts a digital video broadcast program from a first device to a second device, Receiving a first digital video broadcast channel selection from the first device; Transmitting the first digital video broadcast channel selection to a media server; Receiving digital video broadcast channel content corresponding to the first digital video broadcast channel selection; Transmitting the digital video broadcast channel content to the first device; Receiving at the second device a digital video broadcast service request from the first device; Transmitting the digital video broadcast service request and transmitting a second digital video broadcast channel selection corresponding to the first digital video broadcast channel selection; Waiting for a predetermined period of time; And Emitting digital video broadcast resources from the first device Digital video broadcast switching method comprising a.

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